Match Ball
Monday, August 10th, 2009
Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing the size and construction of the ball based on the player’s age and league requirements. The younger the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Cost is also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. Synthetic-leather balls are the most expensive and basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least. Leather is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball coverings because leather absorbs more moisture than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ball gets heavier over time and becomes much slower in play.
There are three basic categories of soccer balls. Match soccer balls used in professional international matches meet all Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) requirements and are imprinted with the organization’s logo on the ball. They are also the most expensive type of soccer ball. In the middle range are the competition balls used in college and high school competition. Recreational and training balls fill are the least expensive.
Most soccer balls are made of blends of polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and common rubber or nylon. The best and most expensive PU balls feel like leather and are very firm, durable and water-resistant. The PVC balls are also very durable but are not as soft and responsive as the PU-blend balls. Common rubber and nylon balls can present a real value because they cost the least and last the longest. Although the rubber and nylon soccer balls lack the feel of match balls, they are fine for practice and training.
Soccer balls are all clearly marked in one of three sizes with the smaller the size number, the smaller the ball. Most all soccer balls come marked in sizes 3, 4 or 5. Size 3 soccer balls are used for beginners under 8 years old are 23-inches in circumference and weigh 12-ounces. Size 4 balls are designed for players between the ages of 8 and 12 and weigh about the same as the smaller balls at 12-ounces but are larger in circumference at just over 25-inches. Size 5 soccer balls are designed for use by all players 13 and older and are built to the international standard size for all sanctioned competition. The size 5 balls weigh about 15-ounces and have a circumference of 28-inches.
Additional factors to consider in soccer ball construction are the lining and inner bladder. The lining underneath the outer covering controls the shape and feel of the ball. The bladder contains the air inside the ball and also contributes to shape and responsiveness in play. Match soccer balls usually have four layers of a combined cotton/polyester-blend lining. Mid-range balls have two layers of cotton and two layers of polyester lining, and the least expensive balls have only two layers of polyester lining.
Soccer ball bladders come in both latex and butyl. The latex bladders are considered the best type of ball construction, but they don’t hold air as long as butyl bladders and need attention to proper inflation. Butyl or butyl-blend bladders hold their air better but are harder less responsive in play. The most common bladder found in mid-priced balls will usually be a blend of 80% butyl with 20% rubber.
The number of panels on a soccer ball can influence flight characteristics and how much control the player will have in play. A 32-panel ball is the type used in international soccer competition. Major League Soccer in the United States uses an 18-panel ball, and most indoor soccer leagues use 6-panel balls. The panels on high-end soccer balls are hand-stitched with synthetic thread. Mid-priced soccer balls have the same high-quality thread but are machine stitched to reduce cost. Low-cost practice and training balls will usually have panels that are glued together.
Adidas, Nike, Voit, Puma, Brine and Diadora all make good all-around quality balls that are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $80. Good practice balls can be purchased for as little as $15. For most young players today, an inexpensive training ball is usually all they will need to get into soccer and start having fun.
About the Author:
Mike Jones is an experienced blog master and published author. He lives in
Los Angeles California. For more info please visit www.soccerballs.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Soccer Balls
FIFA World Cup 2010 Match Ball
 |
 ASPREY & CO. BALL VESTA (MATCH) STRIKER .925  US $500.00
|
 Adidas Terrapass Uefa Football Soccer Match Ball Size 5 US $53.99
|
 4 pair Light hope Matches study/Family/office Ball Pen! US $.01
|
 4 pair Light hope Matches study/Family/office Ball Pen! US $.01
|
 Rugby Ball Size 5, PRO MATCH 4 PLY PU LEATHER BALL US $21.66
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $22.99
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $22.99
|
 4 pair Light hope Matches study/Family/office Ball Pen! US $.01
|
 4 pair Light hope Matches study/Family/office Ball Pen! US $.01
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $18.99
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $29.99
|
 4 pair Light hope Matches study/Family/office Ball Pen! US $.01
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $19.88
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $9.99
|
 adidas mexico replica match ball US $1.99
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $28.99
|
 Harry Kewell Signed Match Ball. US $91.86
|
 Freely match colour QQ ball earring US $.99
|
 4 pair Light hope Matches study/Family/office Ball Pen! US $.01
|
 ANDY MURRAY US OPEN Championship Match Used Tennis Ball US $9.99
|
 Rafael Nadal Singed Tennis Ball (Match Used) US $225.00
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $29.90
|
 RAFAEL NADAL US OPEN 2008 Championship Match Used Ball US $7.99
|
 Rugby Ball Size 5, PRO MATCH 4 PLY PU LEATHER BALL US $21.66
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $22.99
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $22.99
|
 ADIDAS JOBULANI JABULANI 2010 WORLD CUP MATCH BALL US $169.50
|
 * 2010 World Cup Match Soccer Ball Size 5 -$50 Retail * US $.99
|
 NIKE Total 90 ASCENTE Match Soccer Ball~Size 5~T90 T US $69.99
|
 Adidas Terrapass Uefa Football Soccer Match Ball Size 5 US $55.99
|
 Rugby Ball Size 5, PRO MATCH 4 PLY PU LEATHER BALL US $21.66
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $22.99
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $22.99
|
 MANILA PHILIPPINES PRINT FOOTBALL SOCCER BALL MATCH US $3.08
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $22.99
|
 18 INCH STROKE LINEAR ACTUATOR,BALL SCREW ,MATCH PAIR US $124.99
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $31.00
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $33.00
|
 jabulani top replique match ball replica US $5.50
|
 Autographed FIFA World Cup 1994 Official Match Ball US $2,400.00
|
 NIKE TOTAL 90 AEROW II PREMIERSHIP MATCH BALL FIFA APP US $20.90
|
 ADIDAS FINALE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OFFICIAL MATCH BALL 2002 US $38.71
|
 MITRE TENSILE CARLING CUP MATCH BALL FIFA APPROVED US $108.40
|
 GENUINE 1865 PRINT HURLING HOCKEY GAME MATCH STICK BALL US $4.63
|
 AUTHENTIC MATCH USED ACE 2007 US OPEN TENNIS BALL US $4.99
|
 AUTHENTIC MATCH USED ACE 2007 US OPEN TENNIS BALL US $4.99
|
 Adidas World Cup Jabulani Capitano Match Ball Replica 5 US $5.00
|
 ADIDAS EUROPASS 2008 SOCCER MATCH BALL NEW ORIGINAL US $1.04
|
 Rugby World Cup 1987 Official Match Ball!-MITRE 5 US $19.99
|
 Australia vs. Serbia 2010 Jabulani Official Match Ball US $229.68
|
 2007 US OPEN MATCH USED TENNIS BALL W/LOA FEDERER SP ! US $.98
|
 GENUINE 100% adidas Historical World Cup Match Ball Set US $920.00
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $15.01
|
 VINTAGE BALL MATCH GREAT .45 M1911 AMMO BOX US $2.99
|
 Harry Kewell Signed Match Ball. US $91.86
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $.01
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $.01
|
 Rugby Ball Size 5, PRO MATCH 4 PLY PU LEATHER BALL US $21.66
|
 4 pair Light hope Matches study/Family/office Ball Pen! US $.01
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $28.99
|
 4 pair Light hope Matches study/Family/office Ball Pen! US $.01
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $3.25
|
 RARE 1972 U.S. Open Tennis Ball Match Used Forest Hills US $12.97
|
 1988 Brunswick World Open 9-Ball - All 6 Matches 2 DVD US $14.99
|
 1989 Brunswick World Open 9-Ball - All 7 Matches 2 DVD US $14.99
|
 ADIDAS JABULANI 100% AUTHENTIC 2010 OFFICIAL MATCH BALL US $119.99
|
 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Match Ball US $120.00
|
 FIFA ADIDAS WORLD CUP 2010 OFFICIAL MATCH BALL US $16.50
|
 JABULANI OFFICIAL MATCH BALL - 2010 WORLD CUP US $99.00
|
 Rugby Ball Size 5, PRO MATCH 4 PLY PU LEATHER BALL US $21.66
|
 ADIDAS OFFICIAL MATCH BALL SOCCER OLYMPIC GAMES ATHENS US $95.00
|
 Replica 2010 Final Match Ball US $15.00
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $29.90
|
 ADIDAS JO`BULANI WORLD CUP FINAL OFFICIAL MATCH BALL US $127.95
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $29.00
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $26.00
|
 NEW ADIDAS JABULANI WORLD CUP 2010 OFFICIAL MATCH BALL US $149.00
|
 Match Set Unique Ruby Red Quilted Ball Candle Holder US $.99
|
 Adidas Ja'Bulani FIFA WorldCup 2010 Official Match Ball US $80.00
|
 SUBBUTEO WHITE ADIDAS TANGO MATCH FOOTBALLS BALLS x3 US $1.53
|
 2010 Netherlands vs Spain World Cup Final Match Ball US $199.00
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $35.00
|
 Mitre Official England Int'l Match Ball Professional US $74.99
|
 2010 World Cup FIFA Jabulani Official Match Ball Soccer US $38.90
|
 SIGNED MELBOURNE LEATHER OFFICIAL MATCH DAY BALL US $229.68
|
 Total 90 Omni Premium Match Ball US $99.00
|
 Polo Match Game Coffee Cup Mug Large Mallet Ball Vintag US $9.99
|
 07 ACE TENNIS RESERVE - MATCH USED BALL - 9 BALL LOT US $100.00
|
 HARMONY BALL MATCH MAKER PEOPLE POT BELLY! US $25.99
|
 ADIDAS EUROPASS 2008 SOCCER MATCH BALL NEW ORIGINAL US $9.90
|
 %Adidas Finale 10 Champions League Match Ball US $110.00
|
 Hallmark 1993 PERFECT MATCH Mouse Tennis Balls US $8.00
|
 NEW Diadora Mondiale NFHS Soccer Match Ball - White/Yel US $44.21
|
 NEW Diadora Mondiale NFHS Soccer Match Ball - White/Blu US $44.21
|
 NIB Adidas Jabulani 2010 MLS Official Match Ball Silver US $124.00
|
 HALLMARK PERFECT MATCH TENNIS BALLS ORNAMENT US $3.00
|
 NEW MITRE # 5 MATCH QUALITY SOCCER BALL SLV/WHT REDUCED US $16.99
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $29.99
|
 NEW 2010 World Cup FIFA JABULANI Match Ball With Box US $23.95 |
And a selection of products from Amazon
 |
RUGBY MOTIVATIONAL ART PRINT MATCH SHIRT GROUP EFFORT Sale Price: $3.79  |
|
Group Effort - Rugby. "IT IS THE ABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER WHICH DETERMINES SUCCESS." The print measures 22x28 inches.We take great pride in making sure your INSPIRATIONAL POSTER arrives to your doorstep in pristine shape... |
 |
CROQUET ZONE - Sign - new signs set wooden balls gift Sale Price: $8.99 |
|
This is a brand new 12" tall and 12" wide diamond shape sign made from weatherproof plastic with premium grade vinyl. The sign is perfect for indoor or outdoor use, made to last at least 3-4 years outside... |
 |
Spiffy Dog Black Soccer Balls Collar - Large Sale Price: $15.25 |
|
The Spiffy Dog Air Collar is the newest innovation in dog collar technology. This collar is constructed of soft Nylon Aerospacer. Aerospacer is a material that is constructed with small air chambers within the outside layers... |
 |
Tomorrow the World Sale Price: $15.75 Average Rating:  |
|
The Real Rock 'n Roll Deal! The time has arrived, This is primal, archetypal, balls out rock that just does not let up for one split second and whose big beats and raucous hooks will change and inspire air-guitar wrestling matches... |
 |
Paul Reade: Cinderella / Two Dances form The Match Girl and the Flame Sale Price: $9.98 |
 |
DANCO CORP. A0080698 PART KIT Sale Price: $1.98 |
|
Plastic Replacement Ball For Delta® And Peerless® Single Lever Handle FaucetTSG model No. D110. Aqua model No. 14416.Your are ordering Part # 80698 |